Hawks aim to defend Cup despite shakeup: Toews

Leave it to Jonathan Toews to find a silver lining when most observers see a lightning-quick dismantling of the Stanley Cup champions.

"It was something that was kind of inevitable," Toews said of the recent flurry of trades involving key members of the Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup run. "We knew it was going to happen but we've got some great memories that we can look back on."

The pride of St. Vital and captain of the Blackhawks was enjoying Day 2 with Lord Stanley's mug in his hometown Monday and was on hand for the Boston Pizza Jonathan Toews FORE Kids Golf Classic at Pine Ridge. The event raised $100,000 for the Children's Rehabilitation Foundation.

He took part in an engaging question-and-answer period on the driving range as part of the kick-off event for the Canadian Tour Players Cup.

The captain's memories include capturing the first Stanley Cup for the franchise since 1961 after the Blackhawks eliminated the Philadelphia Flyers in overtime of Game 6 on the now-famous goal by Patrick Kane.

"Again, you try to enjoy it for what it is," said Toews, who signed autographs and posed for pictures with the Stanley Cup on Monday. "We had a special team, a special group of guys this year and we'll never forget what we accomplished."

Toews admits the celebrations have taken on a bit of a muted tone, with the news that several key cogs - including Dustin Byfuglien, Kris Versteeg, Brent Sopel, Ben Eager and Andrew Ladd - will all be playing hockey elsewhere next season.

"It's tough for you in a selfish way because you want those guys to be there and you want the team to stay the same," said Toews. "It's worse for those guys who don't get to stay in a great city like Chicago. We knew something was going to happen, but we didn't expect so many guys to be moved so quick."

The Blackhawks did get some good news on Monday when they matched the San Jose Sharks offer sheet for defenceman Niklas Hjalmarsson.

But in order to keep the talented Swedish blue-liner, there has already been speculation that either Brian Campbell or Winnipeg-born Patrick Sharp might have to be moved to keep the Blackhawks under the salary cap.

No matter what subsequent moves are made, Toews believes in the core group and expects to be in the thick of things during the title defence.

"We're excited for something special," said Toews, who also helped Canada win an Olympic gold medal in 2010 and was named top forward in the tournament. "We know we're going to have a good team again next year. There's no reason we can't get back to where we were."

While most players - especially stars - don't give much thought to pre-season games, Toews already has Sept. 22 circled on his calendar.

That's when the Blackhawks will face the Tampa Bay Lightning at the MTS Centre.

In case there was any doubt, Toews plans to be in the lineup for the game in his hometown.

"I'll be pushing for that," said Toews.

"That'll be like the season opener for me and I'll be ready for that one. I was so excited to find out that we're coming here. It's been over five, six years since the last time I've actually played a real game in my hometown. That'll be special."

As for all of the hoopla and honours bestowed upon him over the last few days, Toews said he was just happy to be able to share the moment with family and friends.

"I've been looking forward to these couple of days here for a long time and it's great to finally bring the Cup home and do all sorts of things with it," he said.

Toews tees off at the Boston Pizza Jonathan Toews FORE Kids Golf Classic Monday, July 12. The 18-hole tournament paired an adult with a child at a variety of different skill levels. To date, "FORE Kids" has raised over $30,000 for the Children's Rehabilitation Foundation in support of Manitoba's children living with special needs and disabilities. (KEN WIEBE/Winnipeg Sun)

Toews tees off at the Boston Pizza Jonathan Toews FORE Kids Golf Classic Monday, July 12. The 18-hole tournament paired an adult with a child at a variety of different skill levels. To date, "FORE Kids" has raised over $30,000 for the Children's Rehabilitation Foundation in support of Manitoba's children living with special needs and disabilities. (KEN WIEBE/Winnipeg Sun)

Toews tees off at the Boston Pizza Jonathan Toews FORE Kids Golf Classic Monday, July 12. The 18-hole tournament paired an adult with a child at a variety of different skill levels. To date, "FORE Kids" has raised over $30,000 for the Children's Rehabilitation Foundation in support of Manitoba's children living with special needs and disabilities. (KEN WIEBE/Winnipeg Sun)

Toews tees off at the Boston Pizza Jonathan Toews FORE Kids Golf Classic Monday, July 12. The 18-hole tournament paired an adult with a child at a variety of different skill levels. To date, "FORE Kids" has raised over $30,000 for the Children's Rehabilitation Foundation in support of Manitoba's children living with special needs and disabilities. (KEN WIEBE/Winnipeg Sun)

Toews tees off at the Boston Pizza Jonathan Toews FORE Kids Golf Classic Monday, July 12. The 18-hole tournament paired an adult with a child at a variety of different skill levels. To date, "FORE Kids" has raised over $30,000 for the Children's Rehabilitation Foundation in support of Manitoba's children living with special needs and disabilities. (KEN WIEBE/Winnipeg Sun)